Stiff joints

alisont

Hi anyone know how much glucosamine you can give a dog a day? Jeds trying the arthritic aid (600mg , glucosamine) but has been having some dog joint tablets that contain 400mg glucosamine.

Considering returning to the vet to get his hip x rayed as everytime he has a walk hes fine but then terrible once home and limping round everywhere Sad

Need to try this arthritic aid for 3 weeks see if it kicks in.

Alison

annestaff

I found the shop bought glucosamine in tablet form not so good. There is a product called cortaflex which I found is great help with my dog. It comes in liquid form and you just add it to their food. It gives you the exact dosage on the bottle for the weight of dog.

http://www.cortaflex.co.uk/catdogproducts.html

I cann't talk highly enough of this product, really put the spring back in my dogs step Very Happy

alisont

Well still dont really know whats going on, Jeds spent all day at the vets didnt get his xray til gone 2pm, we saw the vet at 6.30 have seen the xrays.

Vet now thinks he will not need an op - knee joint not that damaged but is very 'uneven' almost jagged round the edge of knee joint. Vet is hoping its severe arthritus and is treating him for that but he says there is something 'he doesnt like the look of' with the xray. He has warned us that it could be a tumor. If no improvment in 2 weeks then he will do a biopsy on the tissue in that area.

He spent rather too long for my liking describing treatment for cancerous growths - if it is this then its not good in this area.

So will see how he goes over the next 2 weeks.

Alison

annestaff

Harvey was limping for ages and even x-rays didn't pick up that he'd snapped his cruciate ligament, has your vet mentioned anything like this?

alisont

Hi yes this is what the vet first thought it could be - he manipulated the leg once Jed was sedated then did the xray. Ive seen the films - one leg looks fine but the knee joint looks slightly jagged round the edge on his bad leg. He doesnt think its the cruciate ligament but says if no improvment a second xray might be needed. He would then carry out a biopsy as he is not ruling out a tumour.

What treatment did Harvey need?

At the mo Jeds on rimadyl - he isnt limping now hes also got a magnetic collar and is taking arthritic aid. The difference using rimadyl is amazing, but think its just masking something?

Am going to the vets again on the 10th Feb.

Alison

annestaff

A snapped cruciate ligament didn't show up on an xray, they only way they knew was to actually knock him out and go in to have a look. I told the vet if they found anything wrong whilst he was under anesthetic to carry on with what ever treatment was needed.

Harvey had completly snapped his and they basicly made him a false one, the road to recovery was very slow and he was on metacam and pain killers for quite some time.

That was about 2 years ago and just today we walked about 5 miles and he hasn't limped once since we got back. I don't let him race around too much and tend to walk him on soft ground and not do too much road walking as I feel this is kinder on his joints.

The vet told me there was a high chance his other would also snap but up to now everything seems fine Very Happy

I also took him to hydrotheraphy after his operation which really did him the world of good and helped build his muscle up again without causing anymore injury.

alisont

Bit of an update on Jed - he's been to the vets tonight but its not good news, the vet says his leg is worse and crumbling - says the cartlidge and ligament (cruciate ligament ) is worn away/damaged and he needs a major op on it soon.

Said he will take 6 months to recover totally but be a bit better in 6-8 weeks. Vets away next week so will be week after will have to take him in. Always a worry and hope we are doing the right thing - but vet doesnt see any other options.

Alison

alisont

Whats the aftercare like? Vet said he will prob need an overnight stay but wondering what care/support will be needed after?

Will Jed be able to move about and manage the stairs?

Have brought a ramp for the backdoor.

Alison

sambo

Awww bless him i'm sure your vet is right and with the proper care he should be fine i cant offer any advice to after care as i have never been in that situation but im sure anne or another member will have some valuable advice for you i think the ramp for back door is a brilliant idea not too sure about the stairs though.

Hope all goes well and please keep us posted on his progress.
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alisont

The ops booked for next Tuesday, will have to drop him off on the way to work, pick him up after or might be an overnight stay, depends how it goes.

Dreading it Sad

alisont

Jed has had his op which was a sucsess - a metal plate has been put in and part of the ligament had snapped so had to be removed. Jed is only just coming round now so is staying overnight so he can be checked by the vet and given pain relief. He will hopefully be coming home tomorrow.

Am glad it went well but we have been told we will have to confine him to downstairs and not allow him to climb stairs or jump on the bed etc...or sofas - very worried how we manage this as he is an active dog who wont stay still long. Will have to ask about sedation.

Be glad to get him home!

sambo

So glad to hear everything well with jed im sure he will make a super recovery all he needs now is loads of tlc as for keeping him calm maybe designate a room for him downstairs with his bed food etc and keep it quiet for him while he recooperates keep us updated will you on his progress and maybe post us a pic of him.

Give him a hug and a sloppy kiss from me and sasha.
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